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Best Self-Storage Companies for Secure and Convenient Storage

Best 5 Self-Storage
Container Companies

Whether you want to store your item for a long or short-term period, self-storage companies are your best bet. But finding the best one is tough, though. You have to do research and compare each company's features.

This is a long and time-consuming process; if you want to follow the easy path, read this whole article. Here, we discuss the best 5 self-storage companies by mentioning their prices, ratings, services, and more–

self storage

What Are The Best Self-Storage Companies?

Compare Self Storage Companies

Most Convient

PODS Review

PODS Storage

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  •  Flexible solutions that allow you to take your time while you pack up
  • Transparent about pricing on the website

Price is negotiable

1-800-Pack-Rat

1-800-PACK-RAT

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  • Price is somewhat negotiable
  • For the most part, the customer determines the schedule

Best customer service

Public Storage

Public Storage

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  • 2,000+ locations
  • Rent Online Right Now
  • Skip the Counter & Go Straight to Your Space.

Good security

LifeStorage

Life Storage

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  • 1,400+ locations
  • Moving Boxes in various sizes
  • Dish and Glass Moving Kits

Peer-to-peer storage

Neighbor

Neighbor

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  • Low prices
  • Wide availability for most users
  • Storage to fit all sizes
  • Easy-to-navigate app

#Where is U-Haul?

U-Haul also offers self-storage facilities but is not mentioned in our list for its poor consumer reviews. Still, if you want to know about this, read our U-Haul Self Storage. (interlink)

U-Haul Self Storage ↗

What Are The Best Storage & Moving Container Companies?

PODS: Best for affordable price
UNITS: Best for customer service
1-800-PACK-RAT: Strong containers
U-Pack: Best for long distance move
Zippy Shell: Best for reviews
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Best 5 Self-Storage Container Companies

Wowmover.com researched 8 storage providers and analyzed more than 2,500 quotes to find the best storage unit companies in the nation.

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Best 5 Self-Storage Container Companies

PODS Review PODS Review
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1. PODS Review

You may need to store your belongings for a few days or weeks in the middle of a big move. If your new home isn’t ready when you need it or you have to move out of your old home before you know where you’re moving to, then PODS’ combination of moving and storage services makes it your most convenient option.

Get Free Quote (833)742-0934
1-800-Pack-Rat 1-800-Pack-Rat
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2. 1-800-Pack-Rat

1-800-PACK-RAT knows that you expect more than just extra storage space from the company you trust with your belongings.  We designed our nationwide storage facilities to give you peace of mind and convenience, in addition to taking excellent care of your storage needs. We not only offer you the simplest way to store your stuff, but you can also be confident that your belongings will be safe with us.

Get Free Quote (855)898-8943
Public Storage Public Storage
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3. Public Storage

Start by searching for storage near you. With thousands of locations nationwide, we’re always just around the corner
Reserve your unit for free with no obligation.
On move-in day, our property manager will show you your unit and get you set up. If you decide you need more (or less) space, we’ll be happy to help you find a different unit.

Get Free Quote (833)462-1107
LifeStorage LifeStorage
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4. LifeStorage

Life Storage – It’s your Life. Store it with Care.
Choose from storage unit sizes, compare features, and find the perfect storage unit at a Life Storage location near you.
Learn the benefits of storing your belongings in a temperature controlled storage unit.
Get boxes, tape, covers and more shipped free to your home or pick them up at any Life Storage location.

Get Free Quote (833)554-3260
Neighbor Neighbor
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5. Neighbor

Give your items a home, not a storage unit
Safer, closer, more convenient storage — right in
your neighborhood

Sometimes, you may want an alternative to large chain self-storage options. Neighbor.com offers exactly that—instead of dealing with customer reps, you store your items at a host’s property. These spaces can vary greatly, from small closets to entire driveways being advertised on Neighbor.com’s app.

Get Free Quote (844)858-1971

PODS

Why we recommend PODS

Its portable containers work for moving and storage

Portable storage containers come in handy when your move-in and move-out dates don’t perfectly line up—if your lease doesn’t finalize when it’s supposed to or the previous tenants can’t move out on your schedule, for example.

If you use conventional moving and storage services, you have to pack your stuff into a moving truck, drive it to your new location, and unload everything into a storage unit so you can return the truck. When move-in day arrives, you have to rent another truck, pack everything into it from the storage unit, and drive it to your new home. Needless to say, this is time-consuming, expensive, and inconvenient.

If you hire PODS to move and store your belongings, you only have to pack your containers once. PODS can keep your portable storage containers at one of its secure storage facilities until you’re ready for them to be delivered to your new home. Easy peasy.

Plus, you can access your PODS containers while they’re in storage if you called ahead to schedule an appointment.

How do customers feel about PODS?

We recently helped some PODS customers pay for their move through our moving grant program, and we learned that PODS really earns its reputation as one of the best moving container companies around. To learn all about their experience, go read our report on one PODS customer’s experience.

It has sturdy and reliable containers

PODS portable storage containers are made from steel with impact-resistant paneling to keep your belongings safe—whether they’re riding on the back of a delivery truck or sitting in a storage facility. The inside of each PODS container also features tie-down rings so you can secure objects that might sway or rattle on the road.

While individual PODS containers aren’t climate-controlled, they are weather-resistant, and when they’re in storage, PODS keeps them in indoor facilities with regulated temperatures.

PODS container sizes

  • 7 ft. x 7 ft. x 8 ft.
  • 12 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft.
  • 16 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft.

PODS can accommodate every type of mover, from college students to homeowners. If you need more space than one of these sizes can give you, you can rent more than one container.

1-800-PACK-RAT

Pack Rat offers storage types for every need: boats, RVs, and climate controlled storage. All of our storage units are monitored by video and kept secure with gated entry. Call now to reserve your self-storage units for whatever you need to store safely.

Learn More About Our Storage Types:

Boat Storage

Boats require special care. Storing your boat should be no different. That’s why Pack Rat provides secure boat storage. Save space in your garage or driveway and store your boat with us.

Climate Controlled Storage

Pack Rat storage units are climate controlled to protect your valuables from hot or cold weather. Climate control helps keep your valuables safe longer, so be sure to reserve one of our controlled self-storage units.

RV Storage

RVs can take up space in your home or garage when not in use. Pack Rat provides RV storage that is protected by video surveillance and secure gate codes. Keep your RV safe and ready for your next adventure. Call now!

Pest Controlled

Protect your valuables from rodents and insects by using our pest controlled units. Don’t risk damage to your property. Get one of Pack Rat’s pest controlled storage units now.

Our Storage Features

Secure Parking

Our parking lot can only be accessed via gate code and is constantly monitored.

Moving Supplies

Pack Rat provides bubble wrap, boxes, and packing tape.

Personal Keycode

Our electronic gate can only be accessed via your personal code.

Daily Access

We provide gate and office access 7 days a week.

What To Look For In A Self-Storage Company?

The cost of the PODS varies depending on the item and distance. For example, if you want to move one bedroom item, the cost will be around $850 for 100 miles. In general, the overall cost can be approximately $3,810.

Positive reviews

When choosing a self-storage company, check the customer reviews. Read the comments and see if the company got positive reviews about quality and prices.

Low prices

If you have a tight budget, look for a company that offers affordable products. We found out that $180 is the average monthly cost for the storage companies. Remember, some companies can add hidden fees.

Convenient locations

This is another essential feature you have to check before confirming the self-storage company. So it's best to choose a company situated near a minimum of 1,200 locations.

Reliable security

Self-storage companies come with advanced security, such as alarms and passwords installed. This way, they ensure the safety of your stuff. Security can be checked while searching for storage companies. You can also get all the information from the company websites.

Extra Space: Best Overall

Extra Space is one the best storage unit companies. It is the most available storage company in the whole country. For instance, Extra Space has over 1,000,000 units and a minimum of 2,000 locations.

Besides, this company believes in clarity and offers transparent features and insurance. Hence, you will see fewer hidden charges than other companies. Also, it has exterior units big enough to place in oversized RVs.

In addition, it has consumer rates of about 3.5/5 score for service. Extra Space has a moving cost calculation on its website to help you find out the cost based on distance, boxes, and storage size.

Pros

Nationwide locations
Online reservation discounts
Top-notch security
Vehicle, boat, and RV storage
Climate-controlled units
24/7 video surveillance
Commercial and business storage

Cons

Hours vary by location
No guaranteed rents, so the price may increase

What sets Extra Space Storage apart?

UNITS is very popular among consumers because of its outstanding services, despite the fact that it is not available in all states.

Low Prices

This storage company offer services at the lowest prices compared to others in the industry. Generally, the cost for one unit is $160, which is almost $20 lower than others. And when we researched the consumer reviews, we found out that Extra Space does not offer any hidden fees.

Impressive Security

Extra Space Storage ensures the safety of your stuff. However, many storage companies don't want to talk about the security system. And they avoid giving proper answers over the phone and on their websites.

In this matter, Extra Space company offer customers full information about security features–

Contents Protection Plan options

Extra Space has offered storage facilities in 42 states. Also, it is available in around 2,000 locations. So this is not only the best company but it is available across the country at 24/7 access

Neighbor.com: Best Budget Storage Options

Neighbor.com is one of the great alternatives to conventional self-storage, and it has low prices. This company has different options for closets to fit different customers' items. In general, the price of Neighbor.com is around $160. The best thing about this is it is budget-friendly and offers flexible services.

Pros

Excellent customer reviews
On-site truck rental
Top-notch security
Climate-controlled storage available

Cons

Only 1,100 locations

Neighbor.com Features

A New Experience

This company offers excellent services in each location. You can book storage either by going through its website or using its app.

When you order from the app, all you have to do is select your storage, give your information, and make payment, which is as simple as that. Also, you can chat live with the host if you want to know any additional information or need help.

Neighbor Delivers On Host And User Protection

As a new customer, anyone can become afraid of using Neighbor.com and be confused about its protection system. For this reason, this company arranges many trust and safety programs. Therefore, you can read reviews and then decide to use it.

Public Storage: Best Customer Service

Public Storage is mainly popular for consumer service and got 4.7/5 stars. However, it is more expensive than other companies. While we were researching, we noticed that smaller companies normally get more customer reviews. However, Public Storage broke this trend and gained the best feedback as the largest company in the US.

Pros

Excellent customer reviews
Largest storage company in the US
Wide network coverage
Proven track record
Reliable service quality

Cons

More expensive than competitors

What Makes Public Storage Apart?

Public Storage is mainly popular for consumer service and got 4.7/5 stars. However, it is more expensive than other companies. While we were researching, we noticed that smaller companies normally get more customer reviews. However, Public Storage broke this trend and gained the best feedback as the largest company in the US.

Top-tier Customer Service

Although Public Storage offers fewer facilities than CubeSmart, it understands what consumers really want. This company continuously makes advertisements based on reliable, safe, and accessible storage. Also, it is available in nearly 2,000 locations like Extra Space Storage.

In addition, it has to get feedback from the online about friendly employees and clean, convenient facilities. Besides the high price, you can keep your belongings in the best hands with the Public Self-Storage Company.

Customer Ratings

CompanyCustomer ratingLocations
Extra Space Storage3.5Long wait times
Neighbor.com4.6Polite hosts, low prices
Public Storage4.7Clean facility, friendly reps, good security
Life Storage3.6Attentive reps, high prices, secure facilities
CubeSmart3.8Many reps, good security

Great Vehicle Storage Capacity

Public Storage provides storage for vehicles in many forms. For instance, it has a covered outdoor option with uncovered storage. Also, it offers garage storage facilities for vehicles. Therefore, if you want to store your vehicle, a reliable and trusted company is necessary.

Life Storage: Best Security Facilities

Life Storage is not available in many locations, but it is the best secure company for storage. If you are concerned about security, then this company is your best option. Also, consumers give Life Storage company better reviews for truck rentals, clean facilities, and helpful representatives.

Pros

Excellent customer reviews
On-site truck rental
Top-notch security
Climate-controlled storage available

Cons

Only 1,100 locations

Live Storage Common Features

Top-Of-The-Line Security

Life Storage offers many layers of security systems for the customer stuff. Let's see some common features here-

Number Of Locations

CompanyLocations
Extra Space Storage2,000+
Neighbor.comVaries
Public Storage2,000+
Life Storage1,100+
CubeSmart1,300+

Virtual Storage Estimator

The main drawback of selecting a storage company is that you don't understand the size of the unit you want. To solve this issue, Life Storage comes with a virtual storage estimator. It offers a 3-D model showing how much furniture and how many boxes will fit in the unit. This way, you can see the size and what fits in it.

CubeSmart: Lowest Price Units

The main drawback of selecting a storage company is that you don't understand the size of the unit you want. To solve this issue, Life Storage comes with a virtual storage estimator. It offers a 3-D model showing how much furniture and how many boxes will fit in the unit. This way, you can see the size and what fits in it.

Pros

Below-average prices
Various discounts
Climate-controlled storage
Lots of sizes

Cons

No security alarms

CubeSmart Features

Let's see some more of the moving container company here–

Low Prices

CubeSmart is one of the cheapest companies than our other pick–

Military

This storage company offers a 5% discount to active military members.

College students

It also thinks about college students and makes storage affordable for them. So the student either going to the parents or abroad for the summer, they can store the stuff till they get back.

Referrals

Another effortless way to get a discount from CubeSmart is by referring a friend. And you can use these discounts to price other things like car shipping, moving boxes, or more.

Truck rentals

You don't only get a discount for using the storage units; this company has a partnership with Truck Rental. Therefore, you can get the best deal to move your belongings for storage.

Useful Facilities

This storage company offers several facilities to give customers the best experience. It tries to come up with valuable options other companies do not offer–

Free perks

Life Storage offers free Wi-Fi, fresh coffee, and printers in workstations. Even this company has free truck rentals.

Premium perks

With some extra fees, you can get premium services, which is totally worth it. For intent, you can use automatic door openers, lighting, wall shelves, and outlets.

Reasons To Use A Self-Storage Company

Let's see some of the common reasons why you have to use the self-storage company to store your belongings–

Rental Flexibility

With self-storage companies, you can use short and long-term storage. And most companies have provided contracts for each month. It is actually an excellent option when you don't know when you will move to the new place.

Low Prices

Self-storage companies are cheaper than other storage options, such as full-service movers. Therefore, you can save this money or use it for other work.

Storage Offers

Almost all storage companies provide discounts to first-time users and minimize the price for long-term uses. Also, you can ask about the available offers.

Variety Of Storage Needs

Storage companies have different units of different sizes to match different consumer needs. You can store your home and office items. Even college students can use storage facilities for summer vacations.

Things To Consider When Using A Self-Storage Company

Here, let's see the difference between moving containers and truck rental and find which one is best-

Storage locations

Choose a company which offers services near your location. This will offer you easy access to your unit at 24 hours. You can find the company by searching the companies online.

Security features

Check which storage company offer 24/7 video surveillance, electronic gates, better lighting, and more. To ensure the security features, you can look at the website of the company carefully.

Extra perks

Often, storage companies offer extra perks, such as free truck rental for moving. This will definitely save you some money.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews are the best option for understanding the storage companies' services. This way, you can ensure the security, services, and even clean facilities of the certain company.

Types of storage

There are many storage capacities a company can own, so look for the types you want. For instance, if you need humidity-controlled storage, search for this feature. Also, you can choose one from RV, boat, and business storage.

Final word: PODS Is Our Top Rated Moving Container Company

PODS is our top-rated moving container company because of its affordable price and excellent customer service. This company offers local and long-distance transport options. Also, it comes with a container made from metal and can withstand harsh environments to ensure goods safety.

Preparing For The Self-Storage Process

Before storing your items, follow these below-mentioned factors-

Organize

You can't store everything in self-storage, like hazardous materials and perishable foods. And try to gather your items in an organized way to store them.

Inventory And Pack

When you have gathered all the items, you can either take photos or make an inventory list. This way, you will remember what and how many items you store. You can pack the stuff by using moving or cardboard boxes of the same or different sizes.

Determine Your Storage Layout

While moving your belongings to the storage, decide the size of the unit you want. You can ask the company representative about this based on your items. Also, you can choose the unit which is front of the line so that you can get easy access.

Be Flexible

This is another benefit of the storage company's flexibility. You don't have to move all the items all at once. So you can use your own vehicle and several trips to move the items at your flexible time.

The Best Self-Storage Companies

While searching for the best storage companies, you should check your requirements. For instance, you can take into account budget, location, the amount of your stuff, and more. Then, choose one storage company from our above-mentioned lists that matches these needs.

Frequently Asked
Questions

The best self-storage company is Extra Space Storage, which is often rated highly for its extensive locations and security features. Also, Public Storage is noted for excellent customer service, while CubeSmart offers competitive pricing and discounts.

Don't store hazardous materials (paint, gasoline, propane), perishable food, plants, pets, illegal items, firearms, ammunition, important documents, cash, or items with strong odors. Also avoid storing items that could attract pests or deteriorate in storage conditions.

CubeSmart truck rental costs typically range from $19.95 to $39.95 per day for local moves, plus mileage fees of $0.79 to $1.29 per mile. Long-distance moves may have different pricing structures. Additional fees may apply for insurance, equipment, and fuel.

Yes, U-Haul offers self-storage services through their U-Haul Storage facilities. They provide various unit sizes with month-to-month rentals, climate-controlled options, and 24/7 access at many locations. Their storage often complements their moving truck and trailer rental services.

Large storage units (10x20 to 10x30 feet) typically cost between $150 to $400 per month, depending on location, climate control, and amenities. Urban areas generally have higher prices, while rural locations may be more affordable. Climate-controlled units cost 20-50% more than standard units.

Climate-controlled storage units typically cost 20-50% more than standard units. Small units (5x5) range from $50-$100 monthly, medium units (10x10) cost $80-$200, and large units (10x20) range from $150-$400. Prices vary significantly by location and facility amenities.

The most popular self-storage unit size is 10x10 feet (100 square feet). This size accommodates the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or small home, including furniture, appliances, and boxes. It's versatile enough for both residential and small business storage needs.

24-hour storage means you can access your storage unit at any time of day or night, every day of the week. The facility provides round-the-clock access through keypad entry, key cards, or mobile apps. This feature is ideal for people with irregular schedules or business needs.

Simply Self Storage's wine storage units typically range from 25 to 100 square feet, with climate-controlled environments specifically designed for wine preservation. These units maintain optimal temperature (55-65°F) and humidity levels to protect wine collections from temperature fluctuations and light exposure.

The most important storage unit security feature is 24/7 video surveillance combined with controlled access systems. This includes security cameras monitoring all areas, keypad or key card entry, individual unit alarms, and on-site management or security personnel. Proper lighting and fencing also enhance overall security.

How We Reviewed The Best Storage And Moving Container Companies?

We rank the best moving container companies in the USA after analyzing them closely. The process starts with researching several companies' 300 quotes for more than five years. We then review each company's website and customer reviews.

We often pay customers for real feedback to understand the company's quality. We repeat this process annually to keep our consumers up to date with the information. So, the prices of the companies mentioned change every year based on the actual prices posted on the website.